136 Filmy Ferns in Cases and under Bell-glasses. 



Todeas arenot creepingFerns like the Hymenophyllum 

 and Trichomanes ; they are really tree ferns and require 

 more soil to grow in, of an open peaty nature, to allow 

 them to develope their luxuriantly beautiful fronds. 



Along with the Filmy Ferns several other species of 

 Ferns, that love shade and moisture, maybe grown 

 with advantage, such as the Adiantum capillus-veneris 

 for instance ; also some of the Selaginellas, such as 

 S. denticulata, S. helvetica, and S. Martensii may, be 

 grown as a variety to the general arrangement, but do 

 not let the mosses get unruly; keep them within 

 bounds, so that they may not choke or interfere with 

 the Ferns. 



The Australian Pitcher-plant (^Cephalotus follicu- 

 laris), the Side-saddle plants {Sarracenia), the Fly- 

 trap plants, and many other curious plants, may be 

 grown with advantage along with the Filmy Ferns. 



The cultivation of Filmy Ferns may be summed up 

 in a few words. Give them plenty of moisture ,• keep 

 them nearly close, allowing the air to circulate only 

 through the open crevices at the top of the case, which 

 must be loosely put on ; give them plenty of drainage 

 and never allow the nearest approach to stagnation to 

 take place ; keep them from sunlight and give them 

 the benefit of a little shade when the light is strong • 

 and give water and admit air periodically as they 

 require it. You can always admire their exquisitely 

 delicate and transparent forms of growth without the 

 necessity of handling them. They cannot stand 

 handling, but they will stand any amount of admiration 

 through the glass walls of their humid little dwelling. 



